Since you don't like the look of a false bottom create a false front. Basically it involves a 3" or so "wall" around the interior of the tank, about 2-3" from the glass. You fill this area with rock/leca and then build your flase bottom inside that area. I did this on my 75g and it's perfect. See pics below for more info. I didn't silicone the whole permiter and I chose not to do the back.

As for your background either would work as well as the other, so it's basically prefference.

As for lights I don't have alot to offer. I use 4' shop lights with the least expensive bulbs possible and I've had great results. Just make sure the lights/ballas you choose don't emit alot of heat. Most people like thier tanks to be lighted with 5500-6500k bulbs. I think mine are 3300k. And I think 10000k are used alot in salt water tanks, yes?

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